Illyus Barrientos alongside fresh talent Aden Rémei, kick start the year with a certified club weapon.

‘Deep Down’ is a first-class production, guaranteed to set dancefloors a blaze with its raw undiluted energy. Known for his consistency in producing stand out House, hosting Toolroom Radio, and supplying Toolroom with genuine moments like ‘So Serious’, ‘D.A.N.C.E.’, ‘Shout’, and ‘Promise’, Illyus Barrientos return to form with ‘Deep Down’ combining authentic House vocals with trademark hypnotic and infectious grooves.

Reviving his Soul Speech moniker, first single “Break The Rules (For You)” featuring Leeds-based indie band King No-One channels 80s new wave electro.

Stefano Miele AKA Riva Starr revives his Soul Speech moniker to launch new label “OPENEYE” – a platform to explore an eclectic world of music, beginning with “Break The Rules (For You)” featuring King No-One.

An ethos built on the freedom to create has been at the heart of everything Stefano Miele has done throughout his prolific career as a music producer, DJ, and label owner; as he launches new label OPENEYE, the commitment to discovery, facilitating creativity, and musical expression has never been stronger.

Sitting detached from his club-focused work as Riva Starr and Snatch!, OPENEYE is a fresh project: an outlet for the studio sessions with musicians that are creatively fulfilling, yet sonically ambiguous or unexpected. The first single, an 80s-inspired track that channels the vocals and dark electronica of new wave pioneers like Joy Division and Morrisey, is a strong signal that the label isn’t trying to pander to trends. A collaboration with Leeds-based band King No-One, Stef explains that “it’s not an era that the new generation know much about, I love the edgy ‘punk’ attitude of songwriting from that period – there are so many stories to tell!”

“Break the rules is about that powerful feeling when you would do absolutely anything to be close to someone. You’d ignore morals, law and rules just to get close to the person who brings colour to the otherwise grey world.” – King No-One

“I want to build a collective” Stef says of the label, “a place for like-minded musicians to explore lyrics and genuine musicality without the pressure of social media, streaming numbers, or profile.” A response to the overwhelming online noise that surrounds us, Stef hopes to encourage artists to “go deeper into the song-writing process, find a sense of self-awareness, and make heartfelt music that isn’t superficial.”

Leveraging his many years’ experience in the music industry, OPENEYE is a place to connect with and cultivate the broad array of talent he’s increasingly working with through studio sessions. “There is no pressure to deliver a viral hit, I just want to have an outlet to deliver consistently good music and a place for me to collaborate with real talent, grassroots artists who may not have a voice, or artists who are doing something weird and wonderful.”

The label launch sees Stef revive his Soul Speech pseudonym, he describes it as “a magician’s hat that is filled with inspiration – sounds and genres from every decade – that I can reach into and pull out treasures.” The studio sessions that power Soul Speech are “always different” he says, “they’re opportunities to connect different points of view, explore possibilities, and capture a priceless magic that you only get when working face-to-face.”

OPENEYE and Soul Speech are the next steps in a storied musical journey that has already spanned decades, but above all, creativity is still the priority: “I know from experience that no matter how famous or ‘big’ you are, the music that gets noticed is always high quality”.

Soul Speech – “Break The Rules (For You) feat. King No-One” is out now via OPENEYE

Amsterdam-based artist G-Double-E lands on CASH ONLY’s Famous When Dead Records with the heavyweight Reload / Downlow EP. With standout releases across leading imprints, he delivers a package that fuses driving House rhythms with Garage textures, showcasing his distinctive production style.
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​The EP features succinct keys, deep basslines, crisp percussion, and grooves designed for peak-time dancefloor sets. With a growing following and critical acclaim already behind him, G-Double-E brings his sound to the UK imprint, further cementing his place in today’s electronic scene. Building on previous releases on DVINE Sounds and a series of Garage-focused labels, he continues to deliver unforgettable experiences both in the studio and on stage.

Famous When Dead Records has been steadily building momentum with a stream of standout releases, gaining traction on global charts, dancefloors, and radio shows. With a roster that balances rising talent and established names, the label consistently delivers a sound that resonates worldwide. More than just a label, Famous When Dead is a creative collective, fusing music and visual storytelling through its collaboration with Midlands-based abstract street artist Famous When Dead. Rejecting mainstream formulas, the imprint continues to push a bold, multidisciplinary vision.

With CASH ONLY and the label earning steady support from heavyweights including Major League, Alok, Mark Knight, Richie Hawtin, Shimza, Marco Lys, Paco Osuna, David Penn, DJ Spoony, and Sam Divine, 2025 is shaping up as a landmark year.

The new Reload / Downlow EP is already making waves, with early support and plays from industry figureheads including Timo Maas, Eliza Rose, Roger Sanchez, Jamie Jones, Sam Divine, Grooverider, Underspreche, and Jay J, further establishing Famous When Dead Records’ presence in the underground circuit.

G-Double-E – Reload / Downlow EP

Official Release: 26th September 2025

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Italian DJ and producer Cyava debuts on Nicole Moudaber’s MoodCollective with the ‘Chain’ EP 5th September2025. The two-tracker kicks off with the title track, a fast-paced House roller laced with an infectious Latin vocal. ‘Hypnotize’ sees the Mindshake, Deeperfect, and Repopulate Mars artist then go deeper, a playful, soulful sample occasionally breaking up its bouncing percussion-heavy rhythm, rounding out a package that’s sure to keep the dancefloor moving.

MoodCollective is the first sub-label in Nicole Moudaber’s InTheMood empire’s 10-year history, complementing her long-running radio show and flagship MOOD imprint. Following heavy support for its debut releases from names like Groove Armada, The Martinez Brothers, Paco Osuna, Joseph Capriati, and Adam Beyer, Cyava now joins previous label artists Castion, VLTRA, and Rsquared for the label’s fourth release with the ‘Chain’ EP.

Cyava ‘Chain’ releases via MoodCollective 5th September 2025 – Pre order here

Follow Cyava Via:
Instagram / Soundcloud / Spotify 

A breakout hit across the club circuit lands on Chaos / Polydor

Dropping 25th July via Chaos / Polydor, ‘Sitting In The Sun (Walking In The Rain)’ is already shaping up to be the summer’s defining house heater. The track — an irresistible rework of Dialect’s ‘Sitting In The Sun’ — comes courtesy of fast-rising Romanian DJ/producer DumitrEscu, and has already exploded across TikTok, Ibiza, and beyond.

Already supported by Chris Stussy at UNVRS (clip here), Jamie Jones, Josh Baker and more, ‘Sitting In The Sun (Walking In The Rain)’ has fast become a breakout anthem. Its original TikTok sound has inspired over 3,000 UGCs, fuelling early viral momentum, while an unofficial SoundCloud rip has amassed more than 580,000 plays — a clear sign of its underground heat ahead of release.

Hailing from Romania’s Black Sea coast, Calin Horia DumitrEscu is no newcomer to the game. Known for his deep, minimal-leaning productions, he’s released on respected imprints including Atípic Records, and has built a loyal following with his genre-blurring sets. This year alone, he’s completed a run of dates across Romania and made a headline appearance at London’s Gaffe for Oscillate Sound in March. He’s also played alongside stalwarts of the Romanian minimal scene Priku, Raresh and more.

With ‘Sitting In The Sun (Walking In The Rain)’, DumitrEscu pivots into more sun-soaked, vocal-led house territory — but without losing the slick, atmospheric production style that’s fast becoming his signature. It’s a perfect storm of nostalgia, club energy, and social media virality.

The much-loved and anticipated weapon lands via Chaos / Polydor on 25th July.

Following the huge success of One Life London show and gigs across the globe, Bibi delivers a bumping dancefloor heater

House music heavyweight Michael Bibi releases his brand-new single ‘Front & Back Seat’ today (Thursday 24th July), marking the next chapter in his long-awaited return to the global stage.

The track follows May’s emotionally-charged ‘Sungazing’ — Bibi’s first release in two years — and swaps introspection for pure dancefloor energy. ‘Front & Back Seat’ delivers his trademark punchy drums, tech house grooves, slick synth work and a vocal hook built to stick.

With landmark sets at Glastonbury, Ibiza’s new 10,000-capacity hyperclub [UNVRS], and London’s One Life festival earlier this month — where he played alongside Marco Carola, The Martinez Brothers, and Blond:ish — Bibi’s comeback is in full effect for 2025.

Available now on all platforms, ‘Front & Back Seat’ proves Bibi is firmly back in the driver’s seat.

A warm current runs through Fritz Kalkbrenner’s latest single When I See You, guiding his signature sound into deeper, more emotionally charged territory. Built on crisp percussion, a rolling house groove and rich, atmospheric chords, the track moves with quiet confidence, inviting listeners into a space of reflection and slow-burning euphoria.

At its core are soulful female vocals that glide through the arrangement with gentle intimacy. Their raw warmth brings a human touch to the beat, adding layers of vulnerability and grace to the steady pulse. It’s a track that travels effortlessly from the club to the heart, carried by understated emotion and pure groove.

Fresh from an unforgettable night at Cova Santa in Ibiza, Fritz Kalkbrenner continues his journey of refinement with When I See You. Rooted in the essence of house but guided by organic textures and melodic storytelling, the track strikes a rare balance between dancefloor energy and emotional depth. A reminder that the soul of house music still beats strongest when feeling takes the lead.

A sun-drenched fusion of Latin soul and contemporary club energy, Cleis’s take on ‘La Tortuga’ has been championed by Keinemusik, Osunlade, Luciano and more.

Swiss DJ and producer Michel Cleis, best known for the 2009 dance hit La Mezcla, returns with a new single La Tortuga — a reimagining of Joe Arroyo’s Latin classic — released 18th July via Altra Moda.

The track, three years in the making, has been in demand from DJs including Keinemusik, Luciano, and Bob Sinclar. Cleis stays close to the essence of Arroyo’s original 2009 version, letting its organic percussion and Afro-Caribbean groove blend with understated electronic elements.

Speaking about the project, Cleis said: “La Tortuga was my first love in terms of traditional Colombian songs… Joey Arroyo’s music became part of my soundtrack during a long journey between Bogotá, Santa Marta and Cartagena.” The track’s release follows sample clearance with the help of Altra Moda, resulting in two updated edits for 2025.

Originally a psychologist before turning to music, Michel Cleis is known for his warm, rhythm-driven productions. He has released on labels including Cadenza, Pampa, Ovum, and Rekids, and continues to tour internationally.

Music is 4 Lovers wraps up the label’s FORM series with finale compilation featuring all nine title-tracks from the series.

Various Artists – FORM will be released exclusively on Beatport on Friday, June 6, 2025, then on all remaining stores and streaming platforms on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Tracklisting:
01) Memo Rex, PALOMA, SAAND – Brilla (Original Mix)
02) Jon Lee – Sovereign (Original Mix)
03) Ramin Majlessi, Rawman – One Track (Original Mix)
04) King Julian – Forever Dancing (Original Mix)
05) Juan Buitrago, Julian Moreno – Let Yourself Go (Original Mix)
06) Carlos Barbero, MARIN – Kinda Magical (Original Mix)
07) Rawman – Come On, Baby (Original Mix)
08) Paul Wheaten – Yeah (Original Mix)
09) LARSa – Good Places (Original Mix)

Artists: Various Artists
Title: FORM
Label: Music is 4 Lovers
Catalogue: MI4LVA007
Release Date: 2025-06-20

– jams
Jimbo James
Editor-in-Chief
jams@musicis4lovers.com

With over 70 million streams to date, Blakey has built a quietly formidable profile as a songwriter and vocalist. Now, he turns a corner. Ta Ta Ta is his most electronic release to date – a subtle, synth-driven cut with a catchy-as-hell hook that retains the emotional pull of his earlier work while drawing more directly from the UK’s electronic undercurrent.

Leaning into minimal rhythm and soft-focus texture, the track sits between the booth and the bedroom – part club pressure, part late-night introspection. The voice remains central, but it’s more tightly woven into the production now, surrounded by flickering synth lines and sharp percussive edits. There’s clarity, but also restraint – the kind that rewards repeated listens.

The hook on Ta Ta Ta lands with quiet precision – a looping vocal phrase that lodges itself without forcing it. Blakey’s delivery is sharp but unfussy, letting repetition and phrasing do the work. It’s the kind of earworm that sneaks up slowly, all the more effective for its restraint.

“I’ve been wanting to pivot into this world for a while, but had to go about it the right way. I think Ta Ta Ta is the natural segue. Outside of Blakey I live and breath dance music culture – most of my best friends and important people in my life I met through the culture. Blakey, for some reason, always sat outside that – until now.” Blakey

Raised in Hackney, Blakey’s music has always carried a strong sense of place. His melodic instincts are intact here, but now framed by colder tones and more spacious structures. It’s a pivot that makes sense: a producer stepping forward, without losing what made him connect in the first place.

Blakey’s rise has been shaped by both streaming and sync. Alongside 70M+ global streams and multiple Spotify New Music Friday placements (UK, US, and 9 other territories), he’s charted in the Top 50 Viral across seven countries, and featured on key editorial playlists like Chill Vibes, The Pop List, Sad Songs, and Piano Ballads. Apple Music has backed him on New Music Daily, New In Pop, and Breaking Singer-Songwriter, among others.

Radio support has come from across the BBC spectrum – including Radio 1Xtra’s Jamz Supernova, Radio 2’s Dermot O’Leary and Rylan Clark, and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. On the press side, he’s been covered by Clash, Noisey, Notion, TMRW, and Record of the Day, while tastemaker curators like Mr Revillz and Music Crowns have championed his work online. Live, he’s played BBC Introducing stages and sold out his own headline show at Hackney Social.

Ta Ta Ta is out now